Cathy is a qualified NCEF Level 2 Pilates instructor with over 14 years experience teaching Pilates.
She was one of the first Trainers to offer Pilates in Ireland. Pilates is a series of exercises designed to improve flexibility and strength through a variety of stretching and balancing movements.

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in order to strengthen his body and improve his health. While interned in Germany during WWII he introduced Pilates to fellow prisoners, which helped them retain their strength and ward off illness. During this period he also developed various apparatus to enhance the exercises. Contemporary Pilates is based on similar exercises and equipment. Pilates has been a popular exercise regime with dancers for decades as it aids flexibility without causing muscles to bulk. It also helps them to avoid injury.

Pilates helps prevent injury and improves posture. The body is strengthened from the inside out. It also helps relieve stress and anxiety. Pilates strengthens the back and the spine. Regular participation in a Pilates regime also increases mobility in the joints, and leads to a flatter stomach, thinner waist and thighs, and improved circulation.

Pilates are gentle exercises using slow deliberate and sustained movements rather than a lot of bouncing around or muscular stress. Consequently it is an exercise regime which is beneficial to those who are rehabilitating after injury.

It is considered a good workout for the elderly and overweight as there is no jumping or lifting involved. It also helps to reduce stiffness in the muscles of arthritis sufferers and since it promotes good posture, it assists in the prevention of osteoporosis.